THE EFFECTS OF HYPERVENTILATION AND OF BLOOD-PRESSURE CHANGES ON THE SELF-SUSTAINED RESPONSES OF THE CEREBRAL CORTEX

Abstract

The effect of hyperventilation on the self-sustained responses of the cortex was studied in cats. Hyperventilation produced a decrease of the self-sustained responses. This decrease affected the duration of the response, and the voltage and frequency of the discharges. The decrease of the responses was observed in animals in which the blood pressure was kept unchanged during hyperventilation. Induced falls of blood pressure, with normal respiration, produced also marked decrease of the self-sustained responses. Cerebral ischemia by bilateral carotid occlusion resulted in the same effect. Incidental observations were made on the effects of hyperventilation on the spontaneous activity of the cortex. Decreases in voltage and frequency were found during hyperventilation.